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Tuesday, December 4, 2012

#HappyHOWLidays with @ASPCA

My Lil Love Bird and I were invited to the ASPCA to learn more about the process of pet adoption and visit their newly remodeled facility. Nia was so excited when I told her we were going to "the puppy party!" While our family doesn't have immediate plans to get a pet any time soon, if/when that does happen I know we'd definitely go the route of adoption. There are so many pets who need love! So far Nia shows an affinity towards dogs, and I think that has something to do with her Uncle Tanner<< links to cute video of Nia and Tanner!

It was a super cold and slushy day in NYC for our visit but the bright, cheery interior of the ASPCA lifted our spirits. The staff was so helpful, friendly and passionate about pet adoption.

I always knew in the back of my mind that pet store pets were definitely not the way to go, but I learned just how awful it is (and you can learn more about that here). The pets are often mistreated, ridden with disease and often have behavioral issues.

I was impressed to learn that if you adopt a pet through the ASPCA they not only match you to a pet based on a compatibility quiz, but they follow-through with behavioral training sessions for a nominal fee. It's not like you just take your puppy and head home - they really are there with you along the way!

Whilethe parents learned the little ones colored and enjoyed a few snacks then we were on our way to our tour . . .A highlight for Lil Love Bird was getting to pet the dogs and feed them treats. It was so sweet to see her face light up and how gentle she was with the animals!

I was intrigued to learn that the dogs practice getting familiar with being out and about the city through various training scenarios as well as encountering different kinds of people including children. They usually use a child-sized dummy but it was a rare occurrence for the dogs to be in the presence of real children for this event. Both the children and the dogs interacted so well!

I was also able to capture this video of Nia walking a puppy . . .

Thank you to the ASPCA for hosting us for such a fun event!

To learn more visit the ASPCA adoption center (www.aspca.org/adopt) and use this special code to receive 10% off the adoption fee:
HappyHOWLidays

Disclosure: I
wrote this review while participating in a campaign for Mom Central Consulting
on behalf of the ASPCA. I attended an informational breakfast and received a gift
bag and promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.